Maidstone Pumas American Football Club have agreed a ‘substantial’ long-term sponsorship deal with a local firm to benefit the club’s youth and adult sections.

The deal with Invicta Staff Agency was thrashed out between club officials and the firm’s managing director Adrian Singh, a former Pumas player who was involved in the formation of the club more than a decade ago.

Pumas Senior General Manager, Stuart Crowley, said: “I have known Adrian for a number of years. He has two businesses, which keep him busy; however, a management restructure has enabled him to spend time supporting the team from the sideline.

“The funding will be shared between the senior and junior sections and will contribute towards many of the developments we have in mind – essentially around recruitment of players and coaches.”

Chief Executive Ted Smith added: “We are holding discussions with another potential sponsor who has expressed delight at the achievements of the youth section.

“This, coupled with the activity to promote flag football in local schools, is something our potential sponsor would like to get behind. We are hopeful that we will be able to announce this sponsorship deal this weekend.”

After a mid-season break the Pumas return to action against the top-ranked London Cobras - who have conceded only nine points in six games - at Aylesford RFC at 2.30pm on Sunday.

Pumas joint Head Coach Alan Lear said: “I trained many of the Cobras players during my spell as coach of the London Olympians so Sunday will be very special for me.

“We recognise we have improved as a club and as a team during the season and we will not be going into these games, feeling that we are underdogs. We have scored in every game this year and we do not intend to tarnish a very good year.”

The following week Maidstone entertain promotion chasing South Wales Warriors.